Sen. Art Haywood

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of mental health for all residents. The bill does not change any laws or require specific actions but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about mental health challenges. It also expresses the Senate's support for policies that promote mental health resources, education, and treatment with parity to physical health coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Equal Employment for All Act, prohibits employers in Pennsylvania from using credit reports to make hiring or firing decisions, with specific exceptions for national security roles, certain government jobs, financial institution executives, and cases required by law. The law aims to prevent discrimination based on an individual's creditworthiness, credit standing, or credit capacity during the employment process. Any violation of these restrictions will be treated as an unlawful discriminatory practice under the existing Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and will be enforced through that same legal framework.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the prevalence and risks of these conditions. The measure aims to increase public awareness about tick-borne illnesses, which are transmitted by infected ticks and can cause a range of symptoms from rashes to severe organ issues. By officially recognizing this month, the resolution encourages residents to take precautions against tick bites and seek early diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term health complications.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Pennsylvania to cover fertility preservation services for individuals facing medically necessary cancer treatments that could cause infertility. The law mandates that insurers include storage for at least three years at an in-network facility and allows a lifetime maximum benefit of up to $100,000 per person, while still permitting standard policy terms like copayments and deductibles. Religious employers may request an exemption from these coverage requirements if the services conflict with their beliefs, though they must notify enrollees and allow individuals to purchase supplemental coverage at their own expense.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania Senate Bill 1332 requires political advertisements that use artificial intelligence or generative AI to clearly disclose this fact to the public. The law mandates that text-based ads display a visible statement with details about the content's origin, while audio or video ads must include an audible tagline at the beginning. Violations of this disclosure requirement can result in civil fines of up to $3,000, along with the payment of legal fees and court costs. The bill applies to all political ads produced after its effective date of 30 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric utilities and their contractors to provide automated external defibrillators at all worksites where lineworkers perform electrical tasks. It mandates that these devices be available and functional at both permanent and temporary locations, while also requiring basic CPR and AED training for workers and crew leaders. The legislation assigns the Department of Labor and Industry the duty to establish maintenance and inspection standards for the equipment. Additionally, the bill extends Good Samaritan protections to individuals who use these devices in good faith, shielding them from liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals who have recently received protection from abuse relief or experienced verified abuse in the last four months to get free copies of important state documents. Specifically, it removes fees for corrected or duplicate driver's licenses, birth certificates, and other identification documents for qualifying victims and their dependents. The law requires that abuse be verified through statements from professionals like doctors, lawyers, or victim service providers, and it mandates that state agencies create clear application processes and standardized forms for these requests.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new legal protections against the deprivation of constitutional rights by prohibiting any individual or entity from infringing upon substantive due process or equal protection rights guaranteed by state and federal laws. It establishes that victims of such violations can file civil lawsuits to seek damages, injunctive relief, and civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, while also allowing the Attorney General or district attorneys to bring actions on behalf of the injured party. The legislation applies broadly to all persons, regardless of whether they are acting under official authority, and includes provisions for awarding attorney fees and costs to prevailing parties in these cases.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates June 2026 as "Scoliosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing spinal curvature. The measure directly affects residents of the state, healthcare providers, and organizations working to improve outcomes for individuals with this condition. By officially setting aside the month for awareness, the resolution encourages public education on early detection and treatment of scoliosis to prevent severe health complications. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote understanding and support for those affected by the disorder.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution congratulates Indiana University of Pennsylvania on its 150th anniversary, marking 150 years since the institution began as Indiana State Normal School in 1875. The document outlines the school's historical evolution from a teacher training program to a university and notes its current status as the only state-owned institution authorized to confer doctor of philosophy degrees. It also highlights the university's ongoing academic growth, including plans to establish a College of Osteopathic Medicine. The resolution expresses the Senate's best wishes for the university's continued success and directs a copy of the document to the university's Council of Trustees.